Michael O'Doherty: How we warmed to Sharon Ni Bheolain after her ice queen facade slips

RTÉ’s flagship news shows, including ‘Six One News’, presented by Sharon Ní Bheoláin, ran up hefty bills for their wardrobes(L-R) Producer Baz Ashmawy and his mother Nancy Ashmawy pose with the International Emmy award in the 'Non-Scripted Entertainment' category for '50 Ways to Kill Your Mammy' during the 43rd International Emmy Awards Gala in Manhattan, New York November 23, 2015. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly

The steely facade of ice queen Sharon Ni Bheolain slipped momentarily last week when, in a remarkable slip of the tongue, she referred to her Six One News co-presenter as "Dobbo".

Surprising as it was to hear it live on air, it is hardly a secret, of course, that Brian Dobson is referred to in that way.

What was most noticeable about the incident was that Ms Ni Bheolain should have said it at all.

She's a lady best-known for her slightly obsessive protection of her private life, but she revealed herself to be capable of levity - and even smiled on camera.

RTÉ’s flagship news shows, including ‘Six One News’, presented by Sharon Ní Bheoláin, ran up hefty bills for their wardrobes

We always loved Dobbo. But this week something even more unusual happened.

We've starting to warm to Shazza.

Credit to Baz for going out on top

Congratulations to Baz Ashmawy and his mum Nancy, who scooped the award for the Best International Non-Scripted Entertainment Show at the international Emmy Awards last week.

It's a huge achievement for such a personal project, conceived and produced by the man himself - and a riposte to people who think that Irish TV can't cut it on the international stage.

Even more credit is due to Baz with his announcement this weekend that he is getting out while he's on top - and turning down the chance to make another series.

Because in realising that after four years of trying, and failing, to kill his mammy, he would have had to rename the show as something far less appealing.

Fifty Ways to Overkill Your Mammy.

(L-R) Producer Baz Ashmawy and his mother Nancy Ashmawy pose with the International Emmy award in the 'Non-Scripted Entertainment' category for '50 Ways to Kill Your Mammy' during the 43rd International Emmy Awards Gala in Manhattan, New York November 23, 2015. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly